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An embryo that has been transferred to the uterus must "hatch" or escape from the Zona Pellucida (the protective shell of cells surrounding the embryo) before it can implant for pregnancy. It has been found that in certain conditions the Zona Pellucida is thickened, making hatching difficult. The technique of Assisted Hatching has been developed to enhance implantation during the hatching process.
With Assisted Hatching, a computer-assisted laser is used to make a tiny opening in the Zona Pellucida so that the mass of cells inside the embryo can more easily escape. Assisted Hatching is recommended in all situations where the Zona Pellucida is thickened, for example in older women, or following IVM and cryopreservation. Embryos may be cultured for two to five days before embryo transfer, based on a patient's clinical history. This embryo culturing allows the best quality embryos to be selected for transfer into the uterus.
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